After months of planning, fundraising and dance lessons seven gorgeous young ladies and their handsome partners danced their way into the hearts of almost 200 guests. The occasion was held on Saturday, 5th May when the young women made their debut at a charity debutante ball.

The group were presented to John Schrader, a representative from their chosen charity Forbes CanAssist, and consisted of Savannah- Lee Bevan, Jourdain Girot-Serplet, Paige Thomas, Ethan Markwort, Samantha Thornton, Brandon Boland, Fiona Howarth, Konnor Ryan, Gabrielle Boland, Jacob Howarth, Brodie Dukes, Toby Hurford, Jade Carpenter and Kristian Markwort.

Anna and Austin Hubbard and Marebelle and Maxi Baxter, led the nervous duos onto the dance floor before they performed their feature dance, which was choreographed by Kate Ralph. The young ladies looked spectacular in their gowns and the young gents wore smart black suits and light blue accessories.

The determined efforts of each and every one of the debutantes and their partners, from cooking barbeques to selling raffle tickets, were justified with a profit of $1,800 being raised from the event. This will directly benefit local cancer patients and their families.

John Schrader was grateful for the support and the efforts of the group. He explained that Forbes CanAssist provides in excess of $8,000 per month financial support to patients.

Raffles were also drawn on the night. The firewood, donated by the Carpenter family, was won by Julie Wallace. Kate Ralph took home the homewares hamper, donated by Spotlight. Kim Dean scored the kitchenwares hamper, also donated by Spotlight, and Marion Crowe was delighted with her win of a gift voucher to the Sweet Three Vintage Van.

Event coordinator, Anita Morrison said that she could not have been prouder of these young people and commended their families on the night and for the positive influence they have had on them all.

Thirty-two flags designed with the ‘amazing’ brand were installed last week as part of council’s brand-led marketing activity.

Mayor Graeme Miller said the flags would help promote the Shire’s new destination brand to locals and visitors alike.

“Council adopted the ‘amazing’ brand last year and while it is being used quite well online, there is still much to be done to raise the awareness of our new brand.

“Placing our brand on flags in our town’s centre will help to create awareness and continue conversations around ‘amazing’ Forbes,” said Graeme.

“The ‘amazing’ brand represents Forbes, its rich agricultural sectors, its strong and connected community, our Shire’s key lifestyle attributes and rich natural resources.”

“The strength of the ‘amazing’ brand will help to promote Forbes as a place to visit, live and invest in”, said Graeme.

“Council is currently developing print, digital and highway signage materials to help promote Forbes. A new printed guide designed to attract visitors and inspire relocation and investment in Forbes is in development along with a new destination website,” he said.

Graeme added that “hot-off-the-press” are bumper stickers promoting ‘amazing’ Forbes. Residents are urged to collect a bumper sticker from the council or the Visitor Information Centre.

“I’ve got one on my car already! ‘amazing’ Forbes travels with me whereever I go and at every chance I love to promote our town,” said Graeme.

A vital regional infrastructure program which is delivering jobs and much-needed projects throughout the Riverina and Central West has been continued thanks to the recent Liberal and Nationals’ Budget.

Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals’ Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack said another $200 million has been allocated in the 2018-19 Budget to deliver a third

round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

“In round one of the BBRF I worked hard to deliver $210,000 to allow House with No Steps to move its Aussie Biscuits Factory at Forbes into new premises in the town,” said Michael.

“I had the pleasure of visiting the Aussie Biscuits Factory just before its move, so I have seen first-hand the real benefits of the Building Better Regions Fund.”

The minimum grant for Building Better Regions Fund projects is $20,000 and the maximum grant is $10 million.

“I encourage the community to consider projects which can help strengthen local economies and build capacity and productivity around the region,” said Michael.

“The fund is only for projects in regional Australia and I look forward to hearing more of the region’s ideas when applications are called later this year.”

During March and April, the Bogan Gate CWA found themselves very busy. They hosted the Oxley Group Handicraft/Land Cookery Day on Tuesday, 6th March.

The Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin annual Bridge Day was held at Bogan Gate on 15th April. This event came into its eleventh year and Bogan Gate CWA has catered for it every year since its inception.

Also, Bogan Gate CWA President, Marion McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of CWA at the local Anzac Day dawn service.

At the recently held May meeting, there were nine members present. ‘The thought’, given by Ros Edwards, focused on ‘the worst bankrupt in the world is the one who has lost his/her enthusiasm’.

International Officer, Heather Veal gave further interesting information of some famous people from Poland, the country of study this year. Naturally, the cultural discussion this month was opinions based on the royal wedding.

Plans to host the Orange Male Voice Choir on Sunday, 3rd June at the Bogan Gate Hall at 1.30pm are moving along nicely. Sales are going well with tickets available until 28th May at Betta in Forbes.

The choir has sung all over the world and around Australia. CWA members will be providing a delicious afternoon tea for everyone to enjoy before they drive home.

Bogan Gate CWA would like to see new and familiar faces at their next meeting being held on Thursday, 21st June at 1.30pm at the Bogan Gate Hall. Any new visitors are always most welcome to come along to their meetings.

Abatement Of Offensive Noise

Everyone has experienced nuisance noise coming from a neighbour’s property. What to do? It depends on the type and frequency of the noise.

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POE) sets out in considerable detail regulations which apply to all sorts of domestic appliances and machinery, internal and external. It deals with such things as air-conditioners, lawn mowers, electric power tools, musical instruments and amplifiers, pool motors, and car and burglar alarms. It sets hours during which appliances and machinery can be used and maximum noise levels.

Your local council can deal with a wide range of problems, such as barking dogs or other continuing noises. One-off noises, such as a noisy neighbourhood party, are best dealt with by the Police.

If there is a continuing problem, it is best to have a talk with your neighbour. If that fails, consult your council. If the problem is beyond the powers of the council, then consult your solicitor to see what legal action can be taken. In many cases the Local Court has the power to make a “noise abatement order”. Breach of this by the noisy neighbour
can lead to fines and other more serious penalties

If there is a “one-off” problem, the Police have the power to issue a similar notice. They can also issue on-the-spot fines if, after telling the offender to stop or mitigate the noise, it starts again within six hours.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to contact our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson
Partner/Solicitor